Alphonce Omija’s late goal salvaged a victory for Gor Mahia on Saturday evening as they narrowly defeated Posta Rangers 2-1 in a fiery encounter at the Dandora Stadium.
Posta Rangers believed they had secured a point after Felix Olouch equalized Gedeon Bendeka’s opener, but K’Ogalo ultimately sealed all three points in the dying moments of the match.
Maintaining their strong home form, the reigning top-flight champions closed the gap on log leaders Kenya Police and Tusker FC as they sit just five points behind in third place with 31 points after 18 matches.
Meanwhile, Posta Rangers, under the guidance of Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo remain at the bottom of the league table and their survival chances in the league is now in serious jeopardy despite having several matches left to turn things around.
Samuel Kapen came close to opening the scoring in the 14th minute but his shot sailed over the bar.
He followed that with two more clear chances alongside Sharrif Musa but neither could capitalize on their opportunities.
Dinken Mwema almost punished the hosts but his cross-cum shot sailed out of play in the 27th minute as the match remained a tense affair.
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Posta Rangers continued to apply pressure in the 34th minute, camping in K’Ogalo’s half but their efforts were thwarted by crucial defending from Omija.
In the 40th minute, Rodgers Ouma made an attempt from the box after Faustine Samaki failed to make a tackle, but Geoffrey Ochieng’s header went wide.
Geoffrey Simiti could have given the hosts the lead before halftime, but his shot, following a brilliant cross from Samuell Kapen, flew over the bar.
Posta Rangers responded with a counter-attack led by Brian Otieno, but it did not change the scoreline, and the match remained tightly contested.
Lewis Shivachi came close to giving the visitors the lead one minute after the break, but his shot was again off target.
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Enock Morrison nearly put Gor Mahia ahead in the 55th minute, but Posta Rangers’ defense held firm. Posta responded with a free kick shortly after, but Omija was once again there to defend his goal.
Zico Otieno made three tactical changes in the 63rd minute, bringing on Bendeka, Chris Akena and Paul Ochouga in place of Mark Shaban, Rodgers Ouma and Kapen.
After sustained pressure, Gor Mahia broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute with super sub Bendeka scoring following a brilliant cross from Ochouga on the right wing.
Musa Sharrif missed the ball, but Bendeka slotted home his fifth goal of the season.
In the 80th minute, Omija had the chance to double Gor Mahia’s lead but his effort was superbly saved by Vincent Otieno.
However, just ten minutes later, Posta Rangers dampened the atmosphere as Olouch equalized in the 84th minute.
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Olouch, also a substitute, capitalized on a mistake by Omija after the goalkeeper’s quick start from the goalmouth.
With the match seemingly heading for a draw, Gor Mahia struck in the 99th minute.
After a brief six-minute stoppage, Omija made up for his earlier error by scoring the decisive goal, securing the win for Gor Mahia and leaving Posta Rangers with nothing.